Comelec closes COC filing, happy with outcome

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday officially closed the five-day filing of certificate of candidacy (COC) for national and local posts at exactly 5 p.m. pleased with the outcome.

Elections Chairperson Andy Bautista thanked his colleagues, the security and the media for cooperating in the festive but still orderly COC filing.

"Maraming nagsasabi na mas maayos ito sa mga nakaraan," Bautista said.

Prior to the dead Comelec press conference vice presidential candidate Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano also commended the Comelec for keeping the COC organized.

Bautista mentioned that the media room where candidates could air their speeches and the media could throw questions at candidates made a difference.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said the final tally of COC filers for president is 130, 19 for vice president, 172 for senators and 192 for party-lists.

"No appeal, no extension," Jimenez said reiterating the deadline.

During the briefing, Bautista was also asked if a candidate can still substitute where he answered that substitution is allowed provided the candidates are under the same party.

Substitution is permitted until Dec. 10, 2015. The COC filing started on Monday.